I'm interested in other Crossfire owners' XM experiences. I did a search of existing threads and most discussions of in-dash options seemed to be a year old, I would think there's a lot new out there so it might be time for a new thread.

I have my XM receiver plugged into my cigarette lighter & my antenna on the front dash. The sound is AWFUL. I stopped even turning it on because it's too staticky. When I drive past XM "World HQ" on NY ave & the satellite's in my line of sight it's still staticky. It's ridiculous. To my knowledge there are 3 other XM options (1) tape deck interface (but factory radio doesn't have a tape deck); (2) wire into the back of the existing radio (leery of having anyone do this); (3) replace factory radio with one that's XM capable. I'm thinking #3 appeals to me - it's bound to have the best sound and I don't like having the receiver velcroed on the car interior. Can anyone tell me what the current options out there are for this (in-dash XM)? And who is reputable to install without screwing up anything else in the car/dash? Also how does XM bill you for the associated service? - the same fee as for an external receiver?

Also had a question about the antenna. A friend told me the reason my is so staticky is because the antenna's on the front dash & needs to be on the roof. But I hate how that looks. With the XM in-dash what are the antenna needs and does it have to be run with a wire outside the car?

Would appreciate your insights.

 

crossfireGal,

I think the reason for the static is that you are using a wireless FM modulator. I have my satellite radio connected via a hardwired FM modulator. Its a small box that connect in between the antenna wire and the radio. When the satellite radio turns on, the car's antenna connection is cut off and the satellite radio plays through the radio. Its only FM, but its really clear FM.

I have been using a wireless Transpod unit to listen to podcasts from a iPod shuffle. I experienced the same static you seem to be hearing. I haven't decided whether to change head units, go to a combination satellite radio mp3 player or both now that I want to listen to podcasts.

A separate head unit with an XM tuner will give you the best sound and the XM radio will be hidden away. Just be sure to get a head unit with a clear display that shows you what you need to see. Most of the better brands have iPod capability as well. A couple of the head units also let you use a memory card to play Mp3s. If you just want to listen to a few podcasts you might not need an ipod in the car.

 

Last year at the Washington Car Show XM had a booth set up right as you enter the show maybe they can give you some ideas. See you at the show tomorrow.

 

First off, switch to SIRIUS, it's the better of the two (IMO). Secondly, replace the factory unit , it really isn't too hard to do. I went through FM and wound up switching the signal too many times in my area. I recently switched to the SIRIUS tuner to hook into my head unit and it's crystal clear and I never have to worry about changing the station and the output signal. It's worth it and if XM's customer service is as good as SIRIUS's then all you need to do is call them up and change your tuner serial number and you're good to go.

Hard-lined in is vastly superior to the FM transmission.